News

Casino workers and trade unionists from all over the world met in Palma this week for the UNI Gaming global meeting to discuss the challenges facing an oft-maligned sector. Over 90 participants from 23 different countries met under the slogan “All In For Workers”.

Global framework agreements were underlined by Deputy General Secretary Christy Hoffman and Head of UNI Gaming Giedre Lelyte as the way forward for the sector.

The meeting was opened by Gabriel Barcelo, the Vice-president and Councillor of Innovation and Tourism of the Balearic Islands, alongside Miguel Angel Cillero FeSMC UGT General Secretary and Jose Maria Martinez, Federation Servicios CCOO General Secretary.

“This is a very special industry - it’s fascinating to see how the regulatory process works between governments, employers and unions. The tripartite social dialogue in the gaming industry can be held up as a model which could be replicated in other sectors,” said Deputy General Secretary of UNI Global Union Christy Hoffman. “This is a sector that is ripe for global work, and it’s important that we coordinate our collective international work together.”

“This is a moment of great challenges globally - but also a moment of opportunity. Globalisation is here to stay, and we must make it work for the good of working people. In the era of globalised industrial relations, UNI is ideally situated to lead the way for global union work by breaking through with global framework agreements.”

“Trade unions are the largest form of organised resistance to greed and corruption. Our power and legitimacy comes from our ability to represent workers on the ground and effectively legislate responsibly. Gaming unions should be proud of their achievements in these challenging times.”

Head of UNI Gaming, Giedre Lelyte added, “We are lucky to have such a group of dedicated and passionate gaming leaders and activists from all over the world. Our sector is facing the challenge to change the perception surrounding gambling once and for all. This is an industry which contributes to the economy by paying taxes and creating jobs - we should be proud to represent this sector!”

President of UNI Gaming Daniel Amoroso, said, “UNI Gaming is firmly pursuing the goal of making the sector responsible, transparent and sustainable through union growth, legislation and social dialogue.”

The meeting also featured contributions from academics, politicians and employers including:

• Ari Sebag, Groupe Partouche
• Carlos Duelo Riu, Director of Cirsa
• Maria del Pilar Sanso Fuster, General Director of Commerce of the Government of the Balearic Islands
• Jose Antonio Gomez Yanez, Author and member of Instituto de Politica y Gobernanza
• German Gusano Serrano, Executive Director of Foundation Codere
• Miguel Angel Oliva, Director of Casino de Palma
• Juan Jose Colilla, General Secretary of the Spanish Commission of Gaming